After brief injury-riddled stints with Carolina and Washington following four seasons in Vegas, Pacioretty joined the Maple Leafs on a professional tryout before the 2024-25 season and made the team out of camp.
He ended up with 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in a season limited by injuries and roster decisions. But he rediscovered his scoring touch in the playoffs, putting up three goals and five assists in 11 games after starting the post-season in the press box.
The 36-year-old from New Canaan, Conn., reached the 30-goal mark six times in his career. He had 335 goals and 346 assists over 939 regular-season games and 28 goals and 30 assists over 89 playoff appearances.
He was an all-star with Vegas in 2020 and won the Bill Masterton Trophy with the Canadiens in 2012, after his 2010-11 season was cut short in March when he sustained a neck fracture and a grade 2 concussion after a hit by Boston defenceman Zdeno Chara.
“After 17 seasons in the NHL, I’m excited to begin this next chapter with Michigan Hockey,” Pacioretty said in a statement released by the Wolverines. “I’m so thankful for the teammates, coaches and fans who have been a part of my journey.
“Hockey has given me so much, and now I have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of players.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2025.
The Canadian Press